Occupation · SOC 17-3011
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Median wage
$64,280
$44,040–$98,190
Projected growth
+4.2%
Average growth
Annual openings
460
per year
Employed (US)
109,550
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
693 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisCritical ThinkingActive LearningWritingActive ListeningMathematics
Knowledge areas
DesignBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Pattern design softwareDocument management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareComputer aided design CAD software
Representative tasks
Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction, using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.Correlate, interpret, and modify data obtained from topographical surveys, well logs, and geophysical prospecting reports.Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.Supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections, or technical investigations to obtain data required to revise construction drawings.Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.Determine quality, cost, strength, and quantity of required materials, and enter figures on materials lists.Locate and identify symbols on topographical surveys to denote geological and geophysical formations or oil field installations.Create freehand drawings and lettering to accompany drawings.Calculate excavation tonnage and prepare graphs and fill-hauling diagrams for use in earth-moving operations.Prepare colored drawings of landscape and interior designs for presentation to client.Calculate weights, volumes, and stress factors and their implications for technical aspects of designs.Plot characteristics of boreholes for oil and gas wells from photographic subsurface survey recordings and other data, representing depth, degree, and direction of inclination.Reproduce drawings on copy machines or trace copies of plans and drawings, using transparent paper or cloth, ink, pencil, and standard drafting instruments.Calculate heat loss and gain of buildings and structures to determine required equipment specifications, following standard procedures.Prepare cost estimates, contracts, bidding documents, and technical reports for specific projects under an architect's or engineer's supervision.Represent architect or engineer on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under supervision.Review rough sketches, drawings, specifications, and other engineering data to ensure that they conform to design concepts.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic CAD software commands and drafting tools — apply under direct supervision to produce simple architectural or civil drawings in a professional office setting.Hand drafting instruments such as compasses, protractors, and triangles — use following established protocols to complete assigned drawing tasks on entry-level projects.Orthographic and isometric drawing conventions — recognize and replicate under supervisor guidance when preparing standard views for structural plans.Building codes and technical specification documents — read and summarize key requirements with instructor or senior drafter support on assigned projects.Topographic survey data and cross-section profiles — interpret basic information to assist in drafting elevation and contour maps under direct oversight.CAD layer structures and file-naming standards — follow office drafting standards to organize and save drawing files in a document management system.Interior room layout dimensions and clearances — draft simple floor plan arrangements for commercial spaces using CAD software under close supervision.Architectural sketches and field notes — translate into preliminary CAD drawings with guidance from a licensed architect or senior drafter.Mathematics including scale, measurement, and basic geometry — apply accurately when setting up drawing coordinates and dimensions on assigned drafting tasks.Drawing revision markups provided by senior staff — incorporate changes into existing CAD files and verify updates against original redline notes.
developing
CAD drafting systems — produce complete sets of construction drawings for structures such as highways and sewage disposal systems from engineer-supplied sketches with limited oversight.Detailed civil and architectural plans — draft independently for mid-complexity projects including site grading, utility layouts, and building elevations in a production drafting environment.Orthographic and isometric presentation methods — select and apply the appropriate drawing type based on project requirements and client expectations without supervisor direction.Building codes, zoning by-laws, and site requirements — analyze and integrate regulatory constraints into design drawings, flagging conflicts for architect or engineer review.Cross-sections, subsurface formation profiles, and topographic contours — draw accurately from survey data using CAD or map creation software on routine civil projects.Interior commercial space layouts — plan and coordinate room arrangements in CAD, accounting for code-required clearances and client-specified area programs.Structural, electrical, and mechanical drawing sets — coordinate across disciplines to identify spatial conflicts and maintain drawing consistency on multi-trade projects.Document management and revision control systems — maintain current drawing files, update title blocks, and distribute issued-for-construction sets according to office procedures.Time management techniques — prioritize concurrent drafting assignments to meet project milestones within a fast-paced architecture or civil engineering firm.Technical written reports and specification sections — draft clear descriptive text to accompany drawing packages, applying English language and writing skills to professional standards.
proficient
Full construction drawing packages for complex civil and architectural projects — produce autonomously using advanced CAD software, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and engineering standards.Multi-discipline design coordination — lead integration of structural, mechanical, and electrical drawings, resolving conflicts and establishing graphical presentation standards for the entire project set.Building code, by-law, and regulatory analysis — independently evaluate technical documents and determine design impact, advising architects and engineers on required plan modifications.Subsurface formation, topographic, and utility mapping — generate detailed profiles and survey-based drawings for infrastructure projects such as dike systems and highway corridors with full professional accountability.Presentation method selection — determine and implement the most effective combination of orthographic, isometric, and perspective views to communicate complex design intent to diverse stakeholders.Commercial interior layout design — develop comprehensive CAD-based space plans for large-scale commercial buildings, optimizing circulation, code compliance, and programmatic requirements.Systems analysis and critical thinking — evaluate existing drawing sets and design systems to identify inconsistencies, proposing and implementing corrective solutions on non-routine project challenges.Advanced CAD and graphics software capabilities — configure templates, block libraries, and customized workflows that improve drawing quality and production efficiency across a project team.Client and contractor communications — present drawing packages, respond to RFIs, and explain technical details verbally and in writing, applying oral expression and active listening skills.Quality control review — audit completed drawing sets against specifications, codes, and project scope, documenting findings and directing junior drafters to implement corrections.
advanced
Drafting department standards and CAD protocols — develop and enforce firm-wide drawing standards, software configurations, and quality benchmarks across all architectural and civil project types.Junior drafters, technicians, and technologists — supervise, mentor, and train staff through structured on-the-job instruction, building team capability and supporting professional development goals.Project drawing production schedules — direct work sequencing and resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring on-time delivery within budget constraints at organizational scale.Cross-functional design coordination strategy — lead integration planning among architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines, establishing the method of presentation for complex, multi-building programs.Regulatory and code compliance frameworks — advise senior leadership and project teams on the implications of evolving building codes, public safety regulations, and municipal by-laws for project portfolios.Technology adoption and training initiatives — evaluate and implement new CAD platforms, BIM tools, and document management systems, developing learning strategies and training curricula for the entire drafting group.Organizational drafting policies and procedures — author and maintain the firm's production manual, detailing standards for drawing organization, file management, and quality assurance across all project phases.Client and stakeholder presentations — lead high-level project briefings and design review sessions, translating complex technical drawing content into clear narratives for non-technical decision-makers.Hiring and performance management — define role competencies, conduct evaluations, and make staffing decisions that align the drafting team's skills with the firm's strategic project pipeline.Knowledge transfer and instructional program design — design and deliver structured competency-building curricula for drafters at all levels, applying instructional best practices to accelerate skill development across the practice.
Also known as
166 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Civil Engineer, RPA (Air Force 32E4M)Facilities Design Officer (Navy 4220)Drafter, PlumbingCivil Engineering DesignerCAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter)Civil Engineer, C2ISREW (Air Force 32E4Z)Marine DrafterCivil Engineer, Airlift (Air Force 32E1T)Engineer Senior Sergeant (Army 12A)Architecture DesignerCivil Engineer, Trainer (Air Force 32E3Q)DesignerAdvanced Engineering Aide (Navy B01A)ArchitectCivil Engineer, Special Operations (Air Force 32E3Y)Structural DesignerDrafterCivil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer (Air Force 32E1F)Drafter, StructuralCivil Engineer, Fighter (Air Force 32E3P)Civil Engineer, Bomber (Air Force 32E4R)Civil Engineer, RPA (Air Force 32E3M)Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer (Air Force 32E1J)Architectural TechnicianComputer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Technician)Civil Engineer, Bomber (Air Force 32E3R)Civil Engineer, Trainer (Air Force 32E4Q)Truss DesignerStaff Civil Engineer (Navy 9026)Engineer Assistant (Marine Corps 1361)Civil Engineer, Tanker (Air Force 32E4S)Civil Engineer, General Engineer (Air Force 32E1G)Civil EngineerCivil Engineer, Trainer (Air Force 32E1Q)Drafter, CivilCAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter)Computer Aided DrafterCAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman)Civil Engineer, Readiness and Emergency Management Engineer (Air Force 32E3B)CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter)